Housing secretary Robert Jenrick ignored advice from
government officials and was “insistent” on pushing through planning approval
for the Westferry Printworks scheme before the council introduced new charges,
documents reveal. Correspondence released by the government show Mr Jenrick
pressured civil servants into fast-tracking a decision on the controversial
1,500-home development to avoid council charges that would have cost the
developer – a Conservative Party donor – around £40m. The planning application
was approved – against the planning inspector’s recommendation – on 15 January
2020, one day before Tower Hamlets’ Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charge
was introduced, saving developer Richard Desmond £40m. Read more on Inside
Housing.
Obama Center opening stirs pride and unease for Chicago’s South Side amid
displacement fears
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South Siders voice concerns about gentrification, housing and affordability
as they celebrate opening of the Obama Presidential Center
Pastor Jeffery Ca...
3 days ago
